Citroen has been trying hard to make inroads into the Indian market and its earlier launches like the C3 and the Aicross have not yet done that. However, hopes are high with the Basalt and this time, Citroen has come well prepared. While based on the C3 Aicross, the Basalt is a sporty coupe SUV and comes with more features too. Here is a quick look at what to expect.
Exterior
The Basalt is based on the C3 Aircross and that is seen with the exterior face which borrows a lot. However, it is a good-looking car with LED projector headlamps and DRLs with a Y shape plus the large logo. The wheelarches have suitable cladding and the 16-inch alloy wheels come in an interesting design while also filling them. With 180mm ground clearance, it stands tall and is attractive. The rear meanwhile has a slanting roofline with a 3D effect rear tail-light styling. The length of the Basalt is 4353mm while the width is 1765mm. There are five colour shades and build quality seems as per standards. The coupe like shape is well matched and we think it is one of the best-looking cars in its class.
Interior
The interior seems like the C3 Aircross but efforts have been made to make it better. The design is well laid out with textured surfaces and it does not look cheap. The main touchscreen is a 10.25-inch with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The touchscreen is easy to use and is handy with major functions mapped out. There is a rear camera but it is not a 360 degree one plus the clarity could have been better. Other features include a digital instrument cluster, fast 15watt wireless charging, rear sensors, front armrest, automatic climate control and more including connected car technology.
What is surprising is that there are budget looking door handles and you need a key to start while there is no sunroof too or even ventilated seats. What is there is a thigh adjustment function at rear seats which is helpful for more comfort. The seats are also quite comfortable and well contoured with redesigned headrests. Speaking of which, there is no middle headrest at the rear. We found the space ample and headroom is not bad too. The boot space at 470 litres is also amongst the highest.
Engine
Citroen has kept an entry level trim with a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol with only 80bhp while the more powerful 1.2 litre turbo petrol gets 110bhp. The manual turbo has 190Nm while the automatic has 205Nm. The turbo petrol automatic is the one to get with a 6-speed torque converter. While it does not get paddle shifters, the Basalt like the C3 Aircross is not the fastest and feels at best being a sensible cruising machine. Power delivery is seamless and the automatic responds well in traffic which means you would not be wanting for more power. Efficiency at 18kmpl is not class best though. Like all Citroen cars, it has a compliant ride quality and a well-matched suspension. The 180mm ground clearance also helps tackling speed breakers better.
Verdict
The Basalt is the best Citroen because it feels much better as a package with more features and stylish design. It still does not meet up to class standards with some features missing like a sunroof and it also does not get a diesel. But we think the Basalt would be doing decent sales and finally give Citroen a product that it needs. The starting price of Citroen Basalt has been revealed at Rs 7.99 lakhs.
You can add more to this story by commenting below.
